. >> congressman cole said he thinks the house of representatives should simply pass the bill that has passed the senate, preserving the current tax rates for all except those in the top brackets, which would revert to the clinton tax rates. the current rates are expected to expire on new year's eve, all of them, and congressman cole has decided it's time to face reality. >> these tax rates are going up automatically unless congress acts. to save as many of them as possible. >> the newest republican defector from grover norquist's pledge has instantly become as good a sales man for higher top tax rates as any democrat. >> right now, congress can pass a law that would prevent a tax hike on the first $250,000 of everybody's income. everybody's. even the wealthiest americans would still get a tax cut on the first $250,000 of their income. it's not like folks who make more than 250 aren't getting a tax break, they've getting a tax break on the first 250, just like everybody else. >> congressman cole first said this in a closed door meeting with republicans yesterday. he said basically exac